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Background: Antibiotic resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the cause of Gram negative nosocomial infections especially among the immunosuppressed patients. The bacteria contains las I and las R genes that play very important roles in the pathogenesis and mechanisms of aggression. These genes can be influenced by the quorum sensing (QS) system and such mechanism is becoming clinically important worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of green coffee extract (GCE) on the expression of pathogenesis-related genes, las I and las R in P. aeruginosa. Methods: A total of fifty four P. aeruginosa strains were isolated out of 100 clinical samples collected from the infectious wards in different hospitals (Tehran province) using conventional microscopic and biochemical methods. Susceptibility of the isolates to different antibiotics, GCE and chlorogenic acid were elucidated. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR were performed to detect and quantify the expression levels of las I and las R genes. The presence of chlorogenic acid in GCE was confirmed by HPLC. Results: Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed multidrug resistance among the clinical isolates of those 40 strains were resistant to ciprofloxacin (74.07%), 43 to ceftazidime (79.26%), 29 to amikacin (53.7%), 42 to ampicillin (77.77%), 17 to colistin (31.48%), 40 to gentamicin (74.77%), and 50 to piperacillin (92.59%). PCR outcomes exhibited that the frequency of las I and las R genes were 100% in resistant and sensitive strains isolated from clinical and standard strains of P. aeruginosa (ATCC 15449). Real-time PCR analyses revealed that GCE significantly prevented the expression of las I and las R genes in P. aeruginosa. GCE at concentration level as low as 2.5 mg/mL could prevent the expression of lasI and lasR genes in P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. Conclusion: The presence and expression levels of las I and las R genes in P. aeruginosa isolates were investigated when the bacteria was exposed to GCE. Our results tend to suggest that genes involved in pathogenesis of:Pseudomonas aeruginosa are down regulated by quorum sensing effect of chlorogenic acid and therefore GCE could be useful as an adjuvant in combating multidrug resistance strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvia macrosiphon Boiss. is an aromatic perennial herb belonging to the family Lamiaceae. Phytochemical studies and biological activities of this plant have been rarely documented in the literature. The current study aimed to investigate antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of different fractions of aerial parts of S. macrosiphon. Also, we tried to isolate and identify cytotoxic compounds from the plant. In this respect, the hydroalcoholic extract of the corresponding parts of the plant was fractionated into four fractions. Then, antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of each fraction were examined. It was found that the chloroform fraction had a good antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The most potent cytotoxicity was also obtained by the n-hexane fraction comparing with etoposide as the reference drug which was selected for the study and characterization of secondary metabolites. Accordingly, 13-epi manoyl oxide (1), 6α-hydroxy-13-epimanoyl oxide (2), 5-hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavone (3), and β-sitosterol (4) were isolated and evaluated for their cytotoxic activity. Among them, compound 1 revealed significant cytotoxicity against A549, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231. It merits mentioning that it showed high selectivity index ratio regarding the low cytotoxic effects on Human Dermal Fibroblast which can be considered as a promising anticancer candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): During type-1 diabetes treating by pancreatic islet transplantation, increasing oxidative stress and microbial contaminations are the main reasons of transplantation failure. In this study, we evaluated anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of phenolic compounds called ellagic acid (EA) and silybin on rat pancreatic islets. Materials and Methods: By doing MTT assay, effective concentrations of EA and silybin were determined as 1500 and 2100 μM, respectively. Then, ELISA methods, flow cytometry and MIC were done to investigate antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and antibacterial effects of those compounds, respectively. Results: Results of FITC Annexin-V and PI staining via flow cytometry, and also caspase-3 and -9 activities performed that EA has anti-apoptotic effects on pancreatic cells. Both compounds significantly diminished reactive oxygen species, and enhanced antioxidant power and insulin secretion. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentration test indicated that these two have antibacterial effects on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria which usually contaminate the pancreatic islets. Conclusion: These findings support that use of EA and silybin can improve the function of islets which are used in transplantation, along with decreasing islets bacterial contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daucus littoralis Smith subsp. hyrcanicus Rech. f (Apiaceae) is an endemic species in north of Iran. The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from different parts (leaves and stems, roots, flowers and fruits) of this plant have been investigated by GC and GC-MS for the first time. The essential oils of all parts were characterized by high amounts of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (62 to 67%) especially germaceren D (22 to 36% in leaves, stems, flowers and roots) and acorenone B (19.7 to 57.5% in all parts). So this can be considered as a remarkable difference between this species and other Daucus species. The high amounts of phenylpropanoids (8 to 30.3%) were also found in all parts. Fruits oil was characterized by higher amounts of phenylpropanoids(30.3%) while other parts were consisted of 8 to 10% of these compounds. Myristicin was identified in leaves/stems, roots and fruits oil of this plant as one of the major components (8.6%, 9.5% and 15.2% respectively). Elimicin (15.1%) was identified as a major component in fruits but in lower amount (0.4 to 3.6%) in other parts. All the essential oils have antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans with MIC value ranged of 20-40 µl/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Daucus littoralis Smith subsp. hyrcanicus Rech.f. (Apiaceae) is an endemic species in northern parts of Iran where it is commonly named Caspian carrot. The fruits have been used as condiment. Methods In a series of in vitro assays, antioxidant (DPPH and FRAP assays), cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of different extracts of roots and fruits were evaluated for the first time. The separation and purification of the compounds were carried out on the most potent extracts using various chromatographic methods and identified by spectroscopic data (1H and 13C NMR). Results The results showed that among the extracts only fruit methanol extract (FME) has significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 145.93 μg.ml-1 in DPPH assay and 358 ± 0.02 mmol FeII/g dry extract in FRAP assay). The radical scavenging activity of FME at 400 μg.ml-1 was comparable with α-tocopherol (40 μg.ml-1) and with BHA (100 μg.ml-1) (p > 0.05). FME did not show any toxicity against cancerous and normal cell lines. Fruit ethyl acetate extract (FEE) had cytotoxic activity against breast carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma cells (IC50 168.4 and 185 μg.ml-1, respectively), while it did not possess antioxidant activity in comparison with α-tocopherol and BHA as standard compounds. Ethyl acetate and methanol extract of fruits showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 3.75 mg.ml-1) and Candida albicans (MIC: 15.6 and 7.8 mg.ml-1, respectively). Four terpenoids were isolated form FEE including: β-sitosterol (1), stigmasterol (2), caryophyllene oxide (3), β-amyrin (4). Also, three flavonoids namely quercetin 3-O-β-glucoside (5), quercetin 3-O-β- galactoside (6) and luteolin (7) were isolated from FME. Conclusion This study showed that FEE and FME of D. littoralis Smith subsp. hyrcanicus Rech.f. had the highest biological activities which may be correlated with in vitro cytotoxic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of terpenoids and flavonoids components of the extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is possibility of microbial contamination of any single-dose vials (SDVs), multiple-dose vials (MDVs) and admixtures (ADXs) during the preparation and injection to the patients that could be resulted in bloodstream infection. The goal of this study was to investigate the microbial contamination of MDVs and SDVs after multiple use and ADXs prepared by nursing staff in the treatment room versus those prepared by the hospital pharmacist in the clean room. The sterility of 43 opened MDVs and SDVs, 92 prepared ADXs in treatment room and 17 prepared ADXs in clean room were studied by membrane filtration method. Only one of 92 ADXs prepared in treatment room was contaminated with Bacillus subtilis (%1.1) and none of the ADXs prepared in clean room, MDVs and SDVs had microbial contamination. Although good sanitization practices and training of nurses could reduce the risk of microbial contamination in traditional units, using clean room for preparation of parenteral products could be the best strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and the purpose of the study: The purpose of this study was to prepare pegylated poly lactide-co-glycolide (PEG-PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with roxithromycin (RXN) with appropriate physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity. Roxithromycin, a semi-synthetic derivative of erythromycin, is more stable than erythromycin under acidic conditions and exhibits improved clinical effects. Methods: RXN was loaded in pegylated PLGA NPs in different drug;polymer ratios by solvent evaporation technique and characterized for their size and size distribution, surface charge, surface morphology, drug loading, in vitro drug release profile, and in vitro antibacterial effects on S. aureus, B. subtilis, and S. epidermidis. Results and conclusion: NPs were spherical with a relatively mono-dispersed size distribution. The particle size of nanoparticles ranged from 150 to 200 nm. NPs with entrapment efficiency of up to 80.0±6.5% and drug loading of up to 13.0±1.0% were prepared. In vitro release study showed an early burst release of about 50.03±0.99% at 6.5 h and then a slow and steady release of RXN was observed after the burst release. In vitro antibacterial effects determined that the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of RXN loaded PEG-PLGA NPs were 9 times lower on S. aureus, 4.5 times lower on B. subtilis, and 4.5 times lower on S. epidermidis compared to RXN solution. In conclusion it was shown that polymeric NPs enhanced the antibacterial efficacy of RXN substantially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial activity of the Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. (lemongrass) essential oil against food-borne pathogens was determined to investigate its potential for reducing microbial population of cream-filled baked goods. The chemical composition of the oil was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS) and fifteen components were identified, where neral (39.0%), geranial (33.3%), limonene (5.8%) and geranyl acetate (4.2) were the most abundant constituents. Five main food-borne pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella typhimurium were added to cream-filled cakes. Lemongrass essential oil showed potent antimicrobial activity against selected microorganisms. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for essential oil against all tested microorganisms were determined as 0.5 μL/disc except for S. aureus, in which the oil was ineffective. By using 1 μL/mL of essential oil, more than a 99.9% reduction in susceptible microorganisms was observed. After baking the cream-filled cake with four main susceptible pathogens manually added, after 72 hours of baking, no observable microorganism was observed. The same as in previous works, we suggested lemongrass essential oil as a safe natural preservative and food spoilage inhibitor. It can also reduce the risk of diseases associated with the consumption of contaminated products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficacy of probiotics in the management of human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been approved in the recent years. In the present work, the efficacy of a new biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) of encapsulated and lyophilized probiotic extract (LPE) was examined in murine colitis. Colitis was induced by rectal instillation of trinitrobenzen sulfonic acid to male Wistar rats. The safety and effective dose of LPE was determined in a pilot study. To ease delivery into colon, LPE was encapsulated in chitosan-coated-poly (lactide co glycolide acid) NPs. After induction of colitis, animals in different groups received test compound in three doses by gavage for 10 days. Groups of sham, control (saline), and standard (dexamethasone) were also assigned. Colonic pathological examination, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interlukin (IL)-1β, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were performed. LPE at all doses (273, 545, and 1100 mg/kg) had positive effects in reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, LPO, and MPO in a dose-dependent manner. The formulated compound containing medium dose of LPE was more efficient in mitigating the experimental colitis in comparison with that of high-dose LPE. It is concluded that LPE and its nanoparticle-encapsulated form are very much effective in control of colitis. Regarding safety of this compound, further studies can be conducted in patients with IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to prepare spray dried inhalable powders containing isoniazid-loaded chitosan/tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles for sustained delivery of the drug to the lung. Nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method. In-vitro drug release study indicated that the rate of drug release from nanoparticles was decreased by increasing the amount of chitosan. Entrapment of isoniazid into chitosan/TPP nanoparticles decreased minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the drug against mycobacterium avium intracellulare. Nanoparticles were spray dried using excipients such as lactose, mannitol and maltodextrin alone or with leucine. Results showed that the obtained powders had different aerosolization property. It was observed that by adding leucine, the particle size of microparticles deceased and the process yield and fine particle fraction (FPF) increased significantly. The in-vitro deposition data indicated that spray drying of isoniazid-loaded nanoparticles with lactose in the presence of leucine resulted in the production of inhalable powders with the highest FPF (45%%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work was to prepare and characterize chitosan-stearic acid conjugate nanomicelles for encapsulation of amphotericin B (AmB) and to evaluate the in vitro nebulization of the formulations. Water soluble chitosan was grafted to stearic acid (SA) chains via 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide mediated coupling reaction. The chemical structure of depolymerized chitosan (DC)-SA copolymers and degree of amino substitution was determined by H NMR. AmB was loaded in nanomicelles with a maximal encapsulation efficiency of 97%. The physicochemical properties and formation of polymeric micelles were studied by dynamic light scattering and fluorescence spectroscopy method. Nanomicelles possessed positive charges with mean particle sizes of 101-248 nm. AmB-loaded micelles were also characterized for their antifungal activity, aggregation state of the drug, nebulization efficiency and retention of AmB in the micelles after nebulization. The results indicated that encapsulation of AmB in DC-SA micelles could improve the antifungal activity of the drug in some of the cases. The nebulization efficiency was up to 56% and the fine particle fraction (FPF) varied from 40% to 52%. Since there was only a little change in encapsulation of the drug in micelles after nebulization, DC-SA micellar formulations can be a suitable choice for pulmonary delivery of AmB. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 100:252-259, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to develop a niosome-encapsulated ciprofloxacin (CPFX) HCl formulation for pulmonary delivery, the feasibility of encapsulation of CPFX in niosomes, its stability and nebulization capability was evaluated. Various combinations of nonionic surfactants with cholesterol were used to prepare the formulations. The in vitro deposition data of the niosomal formulations were examined using an Andersen cascade impactor. Formulations composed of Span 60 and Tween 60 in combination with 40 mol% of cholesterol exhibited high encapsulation efficacy and stability and also had fine particle fraction and nebulization efficiency of about 61.9% ± 1.0 and 77.9 ± 2.8, respectively. Minimal inhibitory concentration of the niosomal CPFX against some pulmonary pathogens were lower than free CPFX. Using the MTT assay in human lung carcinoma cell line (A549), niosome-entrapped CPFX showed significantly lower cytotoxicity in comparison to the free drug. These results indicate that niosome can be used as a carrier for pulmonary delivery of CPFX via nebulization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term use of indwelling medical catheters has often been hindered by catheterassociated nosocomial infections. In this study the effectiveness of silver coating of polystyrene and polyethylene polymers was investigated. Polymer pieces of 2 cm2 each were coated with a thin layer of silver using electroless plating technique. Silver-coated polymers were challenged with cultures of four different microorganisms known for their involvement in nosocomial infections in both solid and broth media. The tested bacteria included Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Silver release from the coated polymers was 2-5 μg/cm2 which was confirmed by chemical and biological methods. The silver coating thickness ranged between 20-450 nm. P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were the most adherent bacteria to polystyrene sheets while E. coli showed minimum adherence effect. The survival rate of different bacteria after 80 min in a time course experiment tended to dominate E. coli as the most sensitive bacteria to the effect of silver with zero survival rate while around 4% of P. aeruginosa were detected after same period. Silver coating of indwelling polymers by electroless technique seems promising in combating nosocomial infections due to long-term catheterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficacy of commercial detergent and disinfectants to eliminate microorganisms associated with fresh vegetables eaten raw in Iran, including radish, parsley, basil, coriander (cilantro), Allium porrum (leek), and peppermint were studied. The raw vegetables were subjected to a triple wash treatment of washing in tap water for mud removal, washing in water containing a detergent (dishwashing liquid) or disinfectant individually, and rinsing in tap water. The population of total mesophilic microbes on the surface of untreated vegetables ranged from 105 to 106 CFU/g. Washing in tap water or treatment with detergent (333 ppm for 10 min) or benzalkonium chloride (92 ppm for 15 min) reduced the total microbial count, most probable number (MPN) of coliforms, MPN of fecal coliforms, and MPN of fecal streptococci by about 1.2 to 2.3 log. No significant differences in microbial populations were found on vegetables after decontamination with tap water, detergent, or benzalkonium chloride (P > 0.05). Treatments with peracetic acid (100 ppm for 15 min) and hydrogen peroxide (133 ppm for 30 min) reduced the total mesophilic microbial counts by about 2.8 log. The microbial reductions with calcium hypochlorite (300 ppm for 15 min) and combined hydrogen peroxide and silver ion (133 ppm for 30 min) were significantly higher than those obtained after rinsing in tap water or after detergent or benzalkonium chloride wash (P < 0.05). Pretreatment with detergent slightly enhanced the efficacy of all decontamination treatments, but results were not significantly different from those obtained after individual application of disinfectants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of nicotine on the regulation of carotenoid production by Dunaliella salina was investigated. Accumulation by the microalga of lycopene, all-trans and 9-cis β-carotene was assessed in artificial sea water containing different concentrations of nicotine. Nicotine inhibits lycopene cyclase, and consequently the cyclization reactions in the carotenoid pathway. Nicotine concentrations greater than 50 µM suppressed microalgal growth, while concentrations of 100 µM more completely inhibited growth. However, at low concentration nicotine treatment significantly decreased β-carotene, but triggered accumulation of lycopene and other carotenoid intermediates, possibly due to inhibition of β-cyclase and also ε-cyclase. HPLC analysis of the culture medium lacking nicotine showed that isomers of β-carotenes were the major carotenoids of approximately equal portions of all-trans and 9-cis (52 and 48% respectively) while supplementation of the medium with nicotine led to the appearance of lycopene and additional carotenoids, which are supposed to be δ-carotene and γ-carotene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some foods are prone to contamination with aflatoxins, with detrimental effect on human health. Lactic acid bacteria have been reported to bind aflatoxins and remove them from foods and feeds. Reduction of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) from the liquid media by the autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus fermentum) isolated from traditional Iranian sourdough and dairy products is reported in the current study. The effect of incubation time on the binding capacity of the strains to AFB1 was also investigated. Duplicates of individual bacteria with population equivalent to 2 x 1010 CFU/ml were incubated in the presence of AFB1 at 37°C for a period of 72 h, and the amounts of unbound AFB1 were quantitated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. All the strains were capable of removal of AFB1, and the reduction of AFB1 ranged from 25 to 61% throughout the incubation period. Removal of AFB1 was a rapid process with approximately 61 and 56% of the toxin taken instantly by L. fermentum and L. plantarum, respectively. Binding was of a reversible nature, and some of the bound AFB1 was released into the media by the repeated centrifugation and resuspension of the cell pellets. The stability of the bacteria-toxin complex was strain dependent, and L. casei was a stronger binder of AFB1 compared with the other bacteria. No toxin release was observed after 24 h. These findings tend to suggest that certain novel probiotic bacteria with high aflatoxin binding capacity could be selected for detoxification of foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Food poisoning originating from contaminated foods by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria causes concern to society and to the industry. Spices have been used safely since ancient times as food flavoring agents and also as herbal medicines and are now mainly considered “generally regarded as safe” (GRAS). Antimicrobial effects of two spices used in Iranian traditional medicine were investigated against some pathogenic food-borne bacteria. Hydroalcoholic extracts of Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) and Zataria multiflora Boiss. (avishan-e shirazi or zaatar) obtained from Tehran botanicals market were prepared by cool percolation method using 80% (v/v) aqueous alcohol. Antimicrobial activities of the extracts were tested against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Proteus vulgaris, and Shigella flexneri. All the extracts were primarily screened for their possible antimicrobial effects using disc and well diffusion methods. Both R. coriaria L. and Z. multiflora Boiss. showed considerable antibacterial effects. The potential antibacterial activities of the two herbal extracts were further investigated at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.8% and 1.6% (w/v) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) as well as minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the extracts were elucidated. Sumac showed better activity against the tested bacteria compared to avishan-e shirazi inhibiting Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus at concentrations of 0.05% and 0.1%, respectively while Gram-negative bacteria were affected by higher concentrations of sumac ranging 0.1–2%. The MICs of avishan-e shirazi against the tested bacteria ranged from 0.4% to 0.8%. Salmonella typhi was found to be the most resistant showing the MICs of 0.2% and 0.8% with sumac and avishan-e shirazi, respectively. Both popular Iranian spices which are traditionally used as astringent agents have promising inhibitory effects on food-borne bacteria and could be considered as natural food preservatives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The development of reliable processes for the synthesis of silver nanomaterials is an important aspect of current nanotechnology research. Reports on the cell-associated biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using microorganisms have been published, but these methods of synthesis are rather slow. In this paper, we report on the rapid synthesis of metallic nanoparticles of silver using the reduction of aqueous Ag+ ion using the culture supernatants of Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter cloacae (Enterobacteriacae). The synthetic process was quite fast and silver nanoparticles were formed within 5 min of silver ion coming in contact with the cell filtrate. Through a limited screening process involving a number of common microorganisms, we observed that the culture supernatants of different bacteria from Enterobacteriacae were potential candidates for the rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles; further, we revealed that this method of synthesis requires far less time than previously published biological methods. Our investigation also showed that piperitone can partially inhibit the reduction of Ag+ to metallic silver nanoparticles by Enterobacteriacae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Carotenoids are widely used in nutraceutical, additives and cosmetics as colorants and antioxidants. Dunaliella is the main natural source which accumulates massive amount of carotenoids. This study examines the effect of different concentrations of NaCl (0.3M to 2M) and light intensities of 50 and 150 µmol/m²s on total carotenoids accumulated by Dunaliella tertiolecta (DCCBC26), from Urmia lake (North West of Iran) compared to those obtained from Dunaliella salina CCAP 19/18 and also the wild type Dunaliella salina WT strains. In all microalgaes production of carotenoids were triggered by increase in light intensities. Changes of intensity from 50 µmol/m²s to 150 µmol/m²s led to 2.4, 2.1 and 1.4 folds of carotenoids production by D. salina CCAP, D. salina WT and D. tertiolecta respectively. In both salina strains carotenoids production improved with higher salinity picking at salt concentration of 2M, while D. tertiolecta showed optimum carotenoids production at 0.7M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of 1-[1,2,4-triazol-3-yl] and 1-[1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]-3-methylthio-6,7-dihydrobenzo[c]thiophen-4(5H)ones were synthesized and tested to demonstrate in vitro antimicrobial activity. Some of these compounds exhibited a good activity against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and Bacillus subtilis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The antibacterial activities of the chloroform and water extracts of Ferula persica var. persica (Apiaceae) roots were studied by the disk diffusion method. While the chloroform extract of F. persica roots showed antibacterial activity, the water extract of the roots at the concentrations that tested did not show any activity. By bioassay-guided fractionation of the chloroform extract of the roots by preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) a compound was found which was active against some bacteria. By conventional spectroscopy methods the active fraction was identified as umbelliprenin. This coumarin was mostly active against B. subtillis, B. cereus, E. coli, K. ponumoniae, S. typhi, S. aureus, and S. epidermilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]